The 6 Principles of Naturopathic Medicine have been used to guide the doctors and practitioners of naturopathic medicine in healing the body naturally.
Naturopathic Medicine Principle 1 – The Healing Power of Nature
The body has the inherent ability to heal itself. This vitality can not only heal, but restore and maintain health. Illness is not caused by external forces, but is a manifestation of the body’s attempt to defend and heal itself. The disease is part of the cure.
Naturopathic Medicine Principle 2 – Treat the Whole Person
Health and disease result from many factors including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental, genetic, and social. The harmonious functioning of all aspects of an individual is essential to good health. Within the body, the different systems are connected, dynamically balanced. “Dis-ease” occurs when the body is out of harmony, out of balance. All of these pieces, when integrated and viewed as unique, create a whole picture of an individual. Only then can the whole person be treated.
Naturopathic Medicine Principle 3 – First Do No Harm
Naturopathic Physicians respect the inherent ability of the body to heal itself by using therapies that are non-invasive, gentle and safe. Naturopathy focuses on health rather than disease, and promotes the healing powers of nature. Suppressing of symptoms is avoided, as this interferes with the healing process. Naturopathic medicine empowers the individual.
Naturopathic Medicine Principle 4 – Identify and Treat the Cause
Illness does not occur without a cause, and symptoms are not the cause of illness. Symptoms are a signal that the body is out of balance and are an expression of the body’s attempt to heal itself. Causes originate on many levels, often found in lifestyle, diet, habits, emotions, etc. If the root of a problem is not corrected, and only symptoms are treated, a more serious condition may develop later on.
Naturopathic Medicine Principle 5 – Prevention is the Best Cure
Health is a reflection of how we choose to live. Naturopathic Physicians help patients recognize their choices and how those choices affect their health. For good health to thrive, we must create a strong foundation within the systems of the body.
Naturopathic Medicine Principle 6 – Doctor as Teacher
Naturopaths educate and teach, in addition to treating their patients. Naturopathic Physicians see themselves as facilitators for a patient’s healing process. One of a Naturopath’s principle goals is to encourage self-responsibility for health. The physician must recognize each patient as an individual responding to and shaping his own environment. Together, they build a health-care program unique to the patient’s needs.